Lighter Linq

ABSTRACT

The invention consists of two circular attaching structures and a flexible tether connected between both structures. The invention can be constructed of various materials. 
     One attaching structure, the “Loop” allows any common cigarette lighter to be secured to the invention. It consists of a loop of flexible material that will secure the lighter when inserted. 
     The other attaching structure, the “Band” allows attachment to other objects. The item consists of a band of flexible material with a means to securely attach the opposite ends of the band, facilitating the creation of a loop of variable size that will accommodate many objects. The Loop is also constructed of a flexible material that allows a secure attachment to an object. 
     The flexible tether can be of various lengths and materials that may stretch and/or twist. The tether connects the small loop with the lighter inserted, to the band that is attached to an object. 
     Materials and/or coloration can be added to any of the parts of the invention for artistic flair and appeal.

THE SPECIFICATIONS OF THE INVENTION

1. This invention relates to articles meant to enable the easy accessibility and use of a cigarette lighter (or similar item) by securing the cigarette lighter to an object that cigarette lighters are commonly used with.

2. Increased safety is a further objective of the invention because the invention helps prevent misplacing a cigarette lighter (or similar item) that can be found by children and misused.

3. A further benefit of the invention is the prevention of loss of the cigarette lighter (or similar item).

4. A further benefit saves the consumer money by not having to purchase a replacement lighter as often.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. There are other products that attach lighters to objects, but those products are generally rigid in their ability to attach a lighter to an object such as a cigarette pack, etc.

2. Other inventions attach a lighter to a retractable line but not to the object the lighter will be used with.

3. This invention uses a flexible means to secure the invention to an object. This flexibility allows for attachment of the invention to items of many shapes and sizes.

4. The invention also allows for a flexible and/or extensible tether that can be of variable length.

5. There is also flexibility in the means by which a lighter or similar item is attached to the invention to accommodate lighters of virtually any shape or size.

A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS

In FIG. 1, we see the Band (1) that is composed of a flexible material for easy wrapping around an object, as seen from the exterior when not in use as designed. Also in FIG. 1, the Flexible Tether (2) is seen as attached to the Band (1) and the Loop (4). We can also see a connecting piece/adhesive patch (3) as attached to the exterior of the Band.

In FIG. 2, we see the Band (1) that is composed of a flexible material for easy wrapping around an object, as seen from the interior when not in use as designed. Also in FIG. 2, the Flexible Tether (2) is seen as attached to the Band (1) and the Loop (4). We can also see a connecting piece/adhesive patch (5) as attached to the exterior of the Band

ILLUSTRATION OF INVENTION

To use the invention, simply insert a lighter into the Loop (4). Create an attaching structure by connecting the opposite ends of the Band of flexible material (1) around an object, and secure with attachments (3 & 5). The attachments may be of any size up to the entire length of the Band. The flexible and/or extensible Tether (2) connects the Loop (4) to the Band (1).

The lighter is used as usual and is less likely to be misplaced and is accessed easily every time it is needed. 

1. An article consisting of two substantially flexible and extensible attaching structures and a substantially flexible and/or extensible tether loosely connecting both attaching structures.
 2. The article of claim 1, wherein said substantially flexible and extensible attaching structures are both primarily composed of neoprene. Other materials may be substituted for one or both attaching structures of claim
 1. a. One of the two attaching structures of claim 1 and 2 will consist of a band of material that will be closed during use, forming a loop around, and securely attaching the article of claim 1 to an appropriate object i. The diameter of the loop formed when the article of claim 2.a is closed, is a function of its length. ii. The length, width and thickness of the article of claim 2.a is variable. Typical dimensions would generally be ½ inch wide, 6 inches long and ⅛ inch thick. iii. Hooks and Loops are the primary means of securing the opposite ends of the article of claim 2.a around an appropriate object. Many other means of securing the ends of the band together such as, but not limited to, a buckle, may be substituted for the primary means. b. The other attaching structure of claim land 2 will consist of a closed loop of material used to securely attach the article of claim 1 to any common cigarette lighter or other similar item. i. The diameter of the loop of the article of claim 2.b will be such as to allow a cigarette lighter or other similar item to be held securely within it. ii. The width and thickness of the material of this attaching structure can be variable to allow for it's general use, but will generally be of the same dimensions as the article of claim 2.a.ii.
 3. The article of claim 1, wherein said substantially flexible and/or extensible tether is variable in composition and length. a. Generally, the length of the tether will approximate 6 to 8 inches. b. The material the tether will primarily consist of is monofilament line. Other material may substitute for the primary material that allows flexibility and/or extensibility. c. The tether of claims 1 and 3 will be secured to the band of claim 2.a on one end, and secured to the loop of claim 2.b on the other end by any of multiple means, which allow a flexible and/or durable connection. 